Taming Treatment Room Tragedies by Lauren K. Snow

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Taming Treatment Room Tragedies By Lauren Snow, ASCP

eople often are surprised when estheticians are sued, but bad things can happen in the treatment room just like in everyday life. This is especially true for those who are careless, but it can happen to good estheticians, too. While there are many rewarding and fulfi lling aspects of our profession, a single mistake could cost you your entire career. Let’s talk about how to eliminate some of the risks lurking in the treatment room, and what to do if an incident occurs.

Don’t Be Floored Water, product, cords and general clumsiness can cause your clients to slip, trip and ultimately injure themselves. Make sure all spills are cleaned up right away. Secure any equipment cords to the floor and walls to eliminate tripping hazards, and be sure to assist your clients as they sit up following a treatment.

Turning the Tables You often focus on what is happening on top of treatment room tables, but what is beneath the tables also needs examining. Routinely checking nuts, bolts and screws is a surefi re way to eliminate the risk of a table collapsing— something that happens more often than you’d think.

The Mean Steam Machine Did you know steamers can spit scalding water? This can leave your clients with third-degree burns. Before each treatment, always check to be sure the steamer is in 28

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working condition before bringing it near your client.

Go Low and Slow Always take a modest approach to skin care services. Even if a fi rst-time client specifically requests a Jessner’s peel, it is your responsibility as the professional to educate them about why conditioning the skin is of the utmost importance. Be conservative, going low on the peel potency and slow on the solutions until you can learn how your clients’ skin reacts—and to avoid costly (and avoidable) injuries.

way, you’ll be aware if something has changed. Ignoring contraindications can be catastrophic or disastrous for both you and your client.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words Sometimes clients try to bear discomfort during a treatment. In the event your client is having an allergic reaction, their visual cues will be far more revealing than anything they may or may not say. If something doesn’t look right, remove it right away. Also, never leave your client unattended.

Don’t Play With Fire

Damage Control

Candles aren’t great for an esthetician’s treatment room. Use battery-operated candles in your business. Not only are they safer, they deliver the same impact—and you’ll avoid the risk of burning your client and the whole treatment room down.

Adopting some of these fail-safe strategies can reduce room for errors and ensure a long career. In the event your client is injured, it is critical to remain calm. If medical treatment is necessary, call 911 immediately and follow directives given. Never be confrontational; take a compassionate approach but never admit guilt. Call your insurance company as soon as you’re able for further advice on how to handle the incident. It’s never too late to shape up your treatment room and reduce the likelihood of a treatment room tragedy.

The Best Will Test Take the time to test hot wax, hot towels and anything else that comes from a heat source on your skin before putting it on a client. Remember, wax pot temperatures vary, and hot towel cabbies can be well over 150ºF.

The History of Your Future Always ask clients to complete an intake and health history form before their first treatment. Also have returning clients review and initial that their health history is current before every treatment. That

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Lauren Snow is director of membership for Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP). She is also a licensed esthetician and a public speaker whose work can be found in various industry trade publications.